Page 60 of Outrageous

Chapter 13

“I thought you said you knew how to play?” a cranky, familiar voice snapped.

“I do know how to play.” The second voice was male and affronted, and it took Godric a second to place it: the boy, Andrew.

“You didn’t say you played like my old nurse.”

“I’m sorry,” Andrew snapped. “I didn’t realize I was sitting down with a Captain Sharp.”

“I didn’t realize I was sitting down with somebody’s old granny.”

“If you’re going to be nasty, I’m going to—”

“Oh hush, don’t get your smalls in a twist.”

A muffled gasp and then, “You’re the most horrid female I’ve ever met.”

“The most horrid?” Even in his groggy state Godric could hear the amusement in her voice. “Well, it’s good to be the best at something, so I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“That’s it. I’m—”

Godric opened his mouth to tell them to shut up, but all that came out was a grunt.

“You’re awake!”

He winced at Eva’s loud shriek, forced his eyes open, and squinted against the light, flinching at the sight of a looming, grinning face.

“Godric!”

“Quit making so much racket—you’re going to—”

“Oh shut it, Andrew.” Small warm hands took his face and he felt the bed move as a body came down next to him. “Godric?”

Godric grimaced. “Shh.”

“See, I told you,” Andrew said.

“Oh, hush, you. Godric? I’m sorry.” Her whisper was almost as loud as her normal voice. “Does your head hurt? Mrs. Crosby said it would be—”

Godric raised a hand—a shaky hand. “Eva.”

Blissful silence filled the room and he opened his eyes again.

This time he could make out her face, which was creased with concern. His head ached so badly that his eyes watered. Her full lips parted in shock.

“Head. Hurts.” Forcing out the words hurt even more.

“Drink this.” Andrew materialized behind Eva. “Mrs. Crosby said your head would hurt.”

Godric frowned and looked at Eva, who made a face. “Laudanum.”

Godric dropped his hand. “No.”

Eva smiled, clearly approving. “Good—you don’t need that. It just dulls your wits. How about food and some tea?”

He gave a slight nod, but even that hurt.

“Go fetch my husband some tea, bread, jam, and some of Mr. Norton’s ham,” she ordered without turning her head.